Ronchi is likely to be out for four to six weeks

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Luke Ronchi has been ruled out of the third and final Twenty20 International against Bangladesh after tearing his right adductor.

Ronchi sustained the injury while keeping in the eighth over of Bangladesh’s innings and left the field. Tom Bruce subsequently replaced him behind the stumps.

While the full extent of Ronchi’s injury will only be known after he undergoes scans, it is likely that the 35-year-old will be out of action for four to six weeks.

With Ronchi sidelined, New Zealand have called up uncapped Wellington wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Blundell for the third Twenty20 International on Sunday.

Blundell though will only join the Black Caps after competing in the Super Smash final, which takes place on Saturday in New Plymouth.

“Tom, along with George Worker, will play in the grand final before linking up with us after the game tomorrow night. They’ll both be eligible for Sunday’s third and final T20,” New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said. “Tom Bruce filled in admirably with the gloves today and could be an option for us behind the stumps going forward.”

Blundell has done well with the bat for Wellington in the Super Smash as he has accumulated 243 runs at an average of 34.71.

New Zealand already hold an unassailable 2-0 lead, but they will be looking to complete a 3-0 whitewash in the final Twenty20 International.